A journey to philanthropy: The Sandra Spence Living Fund
The Sandra Spence Living Fund was set up in 2023 to honour the special and generous life of Sandra Spence, who passed away in December 2021.
Sandra had a special empathy for women and children living in poverty and under stress, and she always wished to help in this area during her lifetime. The Sandra Spence Living Fund has been created with this in mind, and funds go towards supporting charities Sandra cared about, such as Glasgow Women's Aid, Shelter Scotland, and other local charities which benefit Scottish communities.
Her partner, Stewart, was kind enough to talk about the fund and the inspiration behind it.
How did your philanthropic journey begin?
In 2021, my partner Sandra Spence passed away suddenly and left myself, her family and friends, with a huge absence in their lives. Sandra was a loving and generous person, and I wanted to continue her charitable life in any way I could, and to move forwards with a positive and philanthropic mindset she always carried so impressively. It was the least we could do to remember her huge commitment to living a ‘good’ life, and the idea of setting up a fund in her name seemed the best way forward. I approached Foundation Scotland, who helped me in very difficult times to set up this fund and take away the administrative burden, providing an online funding space where Sandra’s generosity could live on.
What motivates your philanthropic giving?
The idea of setting aside money, or raising funds, for charity, has always been important to me, but more so on losing someone very close to me. The thought that so many across the globe live such fragile lives, and can vanish from presence so cruelly and suddenly, made me grateful for all the security and love I have been lucky to experience. I became more conscious that maintaining a charitable outlook, even if it just meant listening more closely to others’ stories and generally being more empathetic, led me to consider a named trust or fund. It seemed natural to do so in honour of Sandra’s memory, and I moved ahead with this and sought out Foundation Scotland, who I had heard managed some charitable and community funds that seemed to fit our world view.
How did you find out about Foundation Scotland? And what made you want to set up a fund with us?
I wanted a Scottish company involved with local charities and community funds, with a track record of humane and non-corporate charitable work, especially with a green and sustainable outlook. Foundation Scotland seemed the perfect fit as I read a little more about their work online, and how they connected donors to what I considered locally worthwhile community causes.
What have been your highlights so far?
To be honest, the personal and sincere approach from the staff has been overwhelmingly kind and generous in its own right. They have shepherded me kindly through difficult decisions and always been prepared to meet in person and take time to discuss Sandra’s fund. They have provided great ideas and taken time to chase up lines of charity that Sandra would have been proud of. I really can’t thank them enough, especially Vicki Corbett and Jennifer Malcolmson, for encouraging me to trust my instincts and find the right way to manage the charitable donations to Sandra’s fund.
What advice would you give to others looking to make a meaningful impact through philanthropy?
I would encourage them to contact Foundation Scotland, and not to be frightened to talk openly, or think that their funding ideas are too small or insignificant – every donation and fund is worthwhile and serves to bolster a more positive and optimistic world. They manage the funds honourably and efficiently.
Foundation Scotland would like to thank Stewart for his story, and that of Sandra whose legacy will continue through the Sandra Spence Living Fund.